1775–1844
Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Man Kwong St, Central, Hong Kong
Ching Shih began her career working at a Cantonese brothel where she met and married a pirate king. After his death she replaced him as the leader of the Red Flag Fleet, becoming one of the most successful pirates in history. The Chinese Emperor pardoned Ching Shih and her crew, allowing them to keep their spoils in exchange for her retirement.
